Q: I have lost a total of 65 pounds over the last 2 years
and now I have loose, saggy skin, especially on my inner thighs and the undersides
of my upper arms. Is there anything I can do to tone up?

- F.F.W.

Dr. Donnica: First of all, congratulations on your weight management
success! This is a tremendous step toward improving your health! Unfortunately,
the excess weight stretched your skin. While the skin has some resilience, there
is not much you can do to reverse this bagginess. "Toning up" refers
to improving muscle tone (not the skin itself) through exercise and weight lifting
is best. Increasing the size of your muscles may decrease the baggy appearance
somewhat, but since muscle weighs more than fat, be prepared for the possibility
that the scale may tip up a bit, although you are becoming more fit. Unfortunately,
this will probably not reduce the baggy skin to the degree that you would like.
If is really bothering you, you may wish to consult a cosmetic surgeon.